Is the rumored little roadster from BMW on track for a 2011 debut? Auto Motor und Sport seems to think so. They even have a rendering by renowned artist Mark Stehrenberger to prove it. If we are to believe the rumors, the BMW Z2 should be closer to what the original Z3 was. That is, more of an entry level roadster to compete with the premium versions of the Mazda MX-5, compared to the more upscale Z4 that just debuted, which is more of a Porsche Boxster rival.

As we've told you before, the BMW Z2 would be based on the 1-series platform. To simplify things, BMW is rumored to be using a soft top rather than a retractable metal lid. The car will feature turbocharged and naturally aspirated four-cylinder powerplants in the 1.8-2.0 liter range. Horsepower should start around 150 and climb to 300 assuming an M version follows. There's even a rumored hybrid variant with its gearbox positioned between the engine and an e-motor pack. Active steering, a dual clutch gearbox and active suspension could be part of the package with a base price rumored to be around $30,000. The BMW Z2 could make its debut as early as latet 2010, which would give it a healthy head start over the rival SLA from Mercedes-Benz.

Saw this info and artist pic on autoblog. Can't wait to see this thing its gonna be a hot little convertible.

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Is the rumored little roadster from BMW on track for a 2011 debut? Auto Motor und Sport seems to think so. They even have a rendering by renowned artist Mark Stehrenberger to prove it. If we are to believe the rumors, the BMW Z2 should be closer to what the original Z3 was. That is, more of an entry level roadster to compete with the premium versions of the Mazda MX-5, compared to the more upscale Z4 that just debuted, which is more of a Porsche Boxster rival.

As we've told you before, the BMW Z2 would be based on the 1-series platform. To simplify things, BMW is rumored to be using a soft top rather than a retractable metal lid. The car will feature turbocharged and naturally aspirated four-cylinder powerplants in the 1.8-2.0 liter range. Horsepower should start around 150 and climb to 300 assuming an M version follows. There's even a rumored hybrid variant with its gearbox positioned between the engine and an e-motor pack. Active steering, a dual clutch gearbox and active suspension could be part of the package with a base price rumored to be around $30,000. The BMW Z2 could make its debut as early as latet 2010, which would give it a healthy head start over the rival SLA from Mercedes-Benz.

As an owner of a 1 series, this would be an opporunity for BMW to really "get it right". If they put the N54 in this thing, shed about 400 pounds from the curb weight of the 135, and made it look like this picture......

This could be a chance for people that really enjoy the feeling of a small, light, fast car...which is sort of what the 135 is. Unfortunately, I assume BMW will head more down the road of the new Z4, which looks like a bloated chick car.....

I much prefer the look of my dad's 07 M coupe to the new Z4. I hope the Z2 doesn't garner the same bloated fate....the older design is much more striking and menacing......

There is no F*CKING way I am trading my car for this thing just because its new. No matter what you think, Z2 will be inferior to Z4 (E85 & E86) and especially models 2006-2008 which gave us more power, torque, way better and sharper looks for rear and front and more options and features.

If I am going to change my car I will do so with 2009 hardtop Z4, I am simply waiting to see how it will perform in terms of driving and handling, if not than I will simply keep my car and not downgrade to the "Z2" lol.

Also, remember, we can not keeping changing cars every three years just because BMW comes out with something new, do you really want to keep making monthly payments forever? Get the Z4 or Z2 that you want, fully loaded and let it go at that mates.

There is no F*CKING way I am trading my car for this thing just because its new. No matter what you think, Z2 will be inferior to Z4 (E85 & E86) and especially models 2006-2008 which gave us more power, torque, way better and sharper looks for rear and front and more options and features.

If I am going to change my car I will do so with 2009 hardtop Z4, I am simply waiting to see how it will perform in terms of driving and handling, if not than I will simply keep my car and not downgrade to the "Z2" lol.

Also, remember, we can not keeping changing cars every three years just because BMW comes out with something new, do you really want to keep making monthly payments forever? Get the Z4 or Z2 that you want, fully loaded and let it go at that mates.

Your argument has one major flaw: you don't know that the Z2 will be inferior; not with the given info.

Call me stupid. but if it is based on the 1 series chassis, why would they not call it a Z1? I think that has a better ring to it than Z2. But I guess if they do make it hopfully it will go the way of the 1 series debut in the US. It was orriginally sopposed to be called the 2 series.

Call me stupid. but if it is based on the 1 series chassis, why would they not call it a Z1? I think that has a better ring to it than Z2. But I guess if they do make it hopfully it will go the way of the 1 series debut in the US. It was orriginally sopposed to be called the 2 series.

love it and love the rawness look of it. Doesnt seem to have a stupid hardtop, so softtop means light weight. Anything small and light with a powerful engine is gonna be hugely exciting. I think the z2 will be a great competitor with the new s2k thats about to come out

hmmm had no idea that thing existed. Ok well then revive the name, even though BMW really doesn't do that sort of thing. Ohh well, I love that car...I just think that the name Z2 isn't that meanicing. Z1 sounds way better.